Every Hero Has a Story

A flash flood rips a Prince and Princess from their carriage. Lost and alone in the deluge, they find refuge in a barn filled with strangers. Gathering around the fire to keep warm, one by one these unknown women and men began to tell their stories. From Giant Killer Jack and The Last Voyage of of Sinbad to the World's First Story, this chapter book of adventures will keep you turning pages. "You've heard of books that are meant to be read across an entire state? This is a book that can be read across an entire family." New and classic stories from around the world written by Mark Binder, an award-winning author and professional spoken-word storyteller.

Every summer, libraries across the country sponsor summer reading programs. This year, award-winning author and story performer Mark Binder has assembled a collection of adventures that can be enjoyed by children and parents of all ages. "Every summer I share my stories in libraries," author Mark Binder explained. "Summer reading shouldn't be a chore. My goal with this book is to create a collection of stories that every family member can enjoy, from the youngest to the oldest, including parents." Some of the stories are familiar adventures that the Princess and Prince while others are unexpected, whimsical and fantastic. "Every Hero Has a Story" is designed to be read to young children or read by older children. Parents and youngsters alike will delight in the stories as the tales spin. By the end of the evening the stories have done more than just pass the time, they have changed the lives of the Prince and Princess forever. Based in New England, Mark Binder tours the world sharing his spoken and written stories with listeners of all ages. In this collection you'll "hear" his version of Jack and the Beanstalk ("Giant Killer Jack"), and learn the origin of "The First Story." You'll smile at the wisdom of a young girl in "The Contest," and catch your breath at "The Short Tale of Erika P. Spunk." There's even a new addition to the Arabian Nights with "The Last Voyage of Sinbad the Sailor." Binder blends and dances between genres. He makes traditional stories sound modern and invents new stories that sound as if they have been retold for a hundred years. At the heart of the book, weaving in and out, is the "frame tale" of the Prince and the Princess, who grow beyond their remoteness and isolation and are touched, moved and transformed by the stories they hear, and the stories that they themselves tell. Mark Binder is an author and storyteller who knows how to connect generations. It is a true testament to his passion and talent that he is able to reach the hearts and minds of such diverse audiences.

Mark Binder is the author who knows how to tell the right story for any age. A prolific writer and spoken-word recording artist, he is a graduate of Columbia University, where he studied mythology and storytelling with Spalding Gray. His stories for young people regularly appear in Cricket and other newspapers and magazines around the world. His “Bed Time Story” series of books has sold more than 60,000 copies worldwide. His book "Cinderella Spinderella" (sometimes described as the first graphic novel for young people) has won five major ebook awards, including finalist for the Digital Book Award for Children's Literature. Mark's other written work includes "It Ate My Sister" and "The Brothers Schlemiel." His collection, "A Hanukkah Present" was the finalist for the National Jewish Book Award for Family Literature. His spoken-word audio story albums have won iParenting, Children's Music Web and Storytelling World Honors. In his spare time he bakes bread and pizza and practices yoga. From time to time teaches a college course in “Telling Lies.” Mark also holds a third degree black belt in Aikido, the martial art for peace, and promises not to throw anybody across the room.